India Arie Simpson, better known as India.Arie, is an American singer-songwriter and actress. Born on October 3, 1975, in Denver, Colorado, she began pursuing music at a young age. Growing up in a musical household, her parents encouraged her artistic abilities and fostered her love for soul and R&B music. India.Arie's music is often characterized by its positive and empowering messages.
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Speaking on the eve of rehearsals for the current tour, Arie was still pondering the best approach to conveying the new music on stage, perhaps with a novel band lineup or the use of new technology. India Arie Simpson has been writing and singing songs of love, spirituality and empowerment for two decades now, but she hasn t always felt so positive on the inside.
Arie's music is often characterized by its positive and empowering messages. She is known for her soulful voice and lyrics that touch upon themes of self-acceptance, spirituality, and social consciousness. Her music often reflects her own personal experiences and struggles, making it relatable for many listeners.
Feeling 'Worthy' again
India Arie Simpson has been writing and singing songs of love, spirituality and empowerment for two decades now, but she hasn’t always felt so positive on the inside.
With her 2001 debut album, Acoustic Soul, the artist known as India.Arie went platinum, drew seven Grammy nominations and kicked off a string of five consecutive Top 10 releases. The pressure grew with each project, however, and the creative and commercial momentum began to stall with 2013’s Songversation. Arie became disillusioned with the music industry and lost touch with the innocent solace she had once found in her guitar and her songwriting.
“I learned a lot about people, a lot about how business is run, how race and gender interplay in corporate America, and I went literally from sitting under a tree to all of that,” she said in a recent phone interview. “At many points I would think, ’If this is how it’s going to be, I’m going to quit doing this.’”
She never quit writing, though, and her thoughts kept coming back to one word: “worthy.”
“My favorite definition of that word is ‘deserving of regard and respect,’” she said. “That became my favorite word, and I wanted to build a body of work around it.”
The concept crystallized during that low point in her life, thanks to a conversation with a woman named Oprah.
During an interview for the Oprah Winfrey Network’s SuperSoul Sunday inspirational talk show, the venerated host posed a question that caught Arie by surprise.
“She said, ‘Let me ask you this question: How long has unworthiness been your calling card?’” Arie recalled. “And (worthy) had been my favorite word for a couple years before she asked the question, so of course it struck me. And it’s Oprah, so of course it really, really struck me.
“I could see what she meant, that people were looking at me like I thought I was a victim and that I wasn’t deserving of success or whatever. It took me further into wanting to develop it as an album and a concept.”
Now, Worthy is a reality, an album released in February and a tour launching with a six-week, 21-city jaunt through the eastern U.S. from April to June (including May 29 at the Palladium). Arie said the album, her first full-length original studio project in five years, reflects the many changes she has been through during that time – health issues, relationship issues, a move from Seattle to New York, the sale of her longtime home in Atlanta. Her musical endeavors in the meantime included accompanying Stevie Wonder on his historic Songs in the Key of Life Tour in 2015.
Perhaps most importantly, Worthy is her first release since ending her longtime association with Motown Records, which means less external support but also less pressure, for example, to sell 100,000 copies in the first week. She feels wiser, more mature and more in control of her destiny.
“It’s a thing to celebrate for me,” she said. “Now I’m in a situation that’s more like what I always wanted, where I have more power and freedom. … I’m just starting to really get a grip on how to do this in a sustainable way.”
Longtime fans will still recognize the trademarks that have long distinguished Arie from other artists lumped into the R&B or neo-soul categories: positive, life-affirming lyrics and arrangements that retain their acoustic-guitar roots amid the electronic beats and danceable grooves.
“I remember when I first came out, I was like, ‘Well, if they want to call it R&B, that’s OK,’ but when you look at my body of work, you hear very much the folk and country influence in my songs,” she said.
The singles so far have included “That Magic,” a love song that hit No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B chart, and “What If,” a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other champions of social justice. The inspiring title track, with Arie’s vocals accompanied only by fingerstyle guitar, carries the refrain “every one of us is worthy.”
“This is my favorite album,” she said, “because I think I hit my mark in all ways.”
Arie currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where she has recorded most of her albums with help from locals like producer/composer Shannon Sanders and respected country-rock session guitarist William “Blue” Miller. Miller, more than 20 years her senior, was her longtime touring guitarist and one of her favorite production and songwriting partners before dying unexpectedly in August from a brain aneurysm.
“I sure miss that guy,” she said.
Speaking on the eve of rehearsals for the current tour, Arie was still pondering the best approach to conveying the new music on stage, perhaps with a novel band lineup or the use of new technology.
“It’s going to be a surprise to me too,” she said with a laugh. “I’m ready to get back on the road, which is rare for me to say. I’m just ready.”
India.Arie: The Worthy Tour
Wednesday, May 29, 7:30 p.m.
The Palladium
Info and tickets: TheCenterPresents.org or (317) 843-3800
“I learned a lot about people, a lot about how business is run, how race and gender interplay in corporate America, and I went literally from sitting under a tree to all of that,” she said in a recent phone interview. “At many points I would think, ’If this is how it’s going to be, I’m going to quit doing this.’”
In 2001, India.Arie released her debut album, "Acoustic Soul," which garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. The album's lead single, "Video," received widespread recognition and established her as a prominent artist in the neo-soul genre. Her subsequent albums, such as "Voyage to India" and "Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship," further solidified her place in the music industry. India.Arie has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, winning four in total. Her accolades include Best R&B Album, Best Urban/Alternative Performance, and numerous nominations for Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Her contributions to music have also been recognized through various honors and nominations from organizations such as BET and Soul Train. Outside of her music career, India.Arie has also explored acting. She made her debut in the film "Bobby" in 2006, and has since appeared in other productions, including a guest role on the television series "Nashville." India.Arie continues to create music that resonates with her audience, promoting self-love, empowerment, and social awareness. Her artistry has inspired and influenced many aspiring artists, and she remains an important figure in the contemporary music scene. Whether through her soulful vocals or her thought-provoking lyrics, India.Arie has left an indelible mark on the industry and has become a beloved icon to her fans..
Reviews for "The Healing Power of India.Arie Simpson's Lyrics"
1. John - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "Indua Arie Simpson that magix". The album lacked any sort of cohesive sound, and it felt like a random assortment of songs. Additionally, Arie's vocals were not as strong as I had hoped for. Overall, I found the album to be quite underwhelming and not worth the listen.
2. Emily - 2 stars
I have been a fan of Indua Arie in the past, but "Simpson that magix" just didn't sit well with me. The songs felt repetitive and lacked the depth and soulfulness that I admire in Arie's music. It seemed like she was trying to experiment with different sounds, but it just didn't work for me. I hope her next album is better and brings back the magic she is known for.
3. Michelle - 2.5 stars
As a long-time fan of Indua Arie, I had high expectations for "Simpson that magix". Unfortunately, I felt let down by this album. The production felt lacking and the lyrics were not as powerful as I had hoped. It seemed like Arie was playing it safe and not taking any risks. I missed the emotional depth and thought-provoking messages that are usually present in her music. Overall, I found this album to be forgettable and not up to her usual standards.
4. Brian - 2 stars
"Indua Arie Simpson that magix" was a disappointment for me. The album lacked any standout tracks and failed to leave a lasting impression. Arie's vocals were decent, but the production felt generic and uninspired. I found myself losing interest halfway through the album and struggling to finish it. Overall, I felt that this album was a step backward for Arie and I hope she gets back on track with her next release.
5. Sarah - 1.5 stars
I'm sad to say that "Simpson that magix" didn't live up to my expectations. The songs felt repetitive and lacked the depth and substance that I love about Indua Arie's music. The lyrics were also quite cliché and lacked the poetic quality I usually associate with her. Overall, I found this album to be a disappointment and not worth the hype.